Skip to content
October 10, 2026
Breaking
XDOF, just three months out of stealth, is in talks for a Series B at a $1.2B valuation
Apple

Not just iPhones: Google’s Quick Share works with AirDrop on Macs and iPads, too

Yes, Quick Share will work with AirDrop on MacBooks and iPads, too.
Rashmita PanigrahiNovember 20, 20252 min read
Not just iPhones: Google’s Quick Share works with AirDrop on Macs and iPads, too
Last Updated on: November 21, 2025

TL;DR

  • Google recently announced that Quick Share now works with AirDrop.
  • The feature supports iPad and macOS devices, in addition to the iPhone.
  • The new functionality is currently only available for the Pixel 10 series.

Google dropped a big surprise on us today with the announcement that Pixel phones and iPhones can finally share files seamlessly, with Quick Share now working with AirDrop. Google has since confirmed to Android Authority that this development was entirely through its own implementation, with no assistance from Apple. While the announcement mentions Android and iPhone users, the functionality expands to Apple’s other devices as well.

Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?

That is absolutely correct, and it represents one of the biggest advancements in cross-platform interoperability in years!

Google has updated its Quick Share feature to be able to communicate directly with Apple’s AirDrop protocol, meaning file transfers are no longer limited to just iPhones.1

 The Cross-Platform Breakthrough

The core takeaway is that the file-sharing barrier between Android and the entire Apple ecosystem has been broken.2

Device Sending From Device Receiving To Protocol Used
Android (via Quick Share) iPhone, iPad, or Mac (via AirDrop) AirDrop
iPhone, iPad, or Mac (via AirDrop) Android (via Quick Share) Quick Share

The compatibility works both ways, making file sharing between a Pixel 10 and a MacBook as simple as sharing between two Apple devices.3

 How It Works (The Catch)

This seamless experience requires one specific action from the Apple user, as Google accomplished this without direct collaboration from Apple:

  1. AirDrop Setting: The Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) must have its AirDrop visibility set to “Everyone for 10 minutes.” This is the only way Google’s Quick Share can discover and authenticate the device.4

  2. Android User Shares: The Android user selects a file, taps Quick Share, and the Apple device appears as an available recipient.

  3. Apple User Accepts: The transfer proceeds just like a normal AirDrop transfer, with the Apple user receiving a familiar prompt to accept the incoming file.5

 Key Details of the Rollout

  • Initial Devices: The feature is debuting on the new Pixel 10 series devices.6

  • Expansion: Google has announced plans to roll this out to a wider range of Android phones (including older Pixel models) in the near future.7

  • Security: Google emphasizes that the connection is direct and peer-to-peer (not routed through servers) and uses memory-safe languages like Rust for security, which has been tested by independent security experts.8

This move is a huge win for consumers, eliminating a major pain point for mixed-device households and workplaces.9

Rashmita Panigrahi